DWI Attorney in McKinney, Texas

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated at a BAC level of .08% or higher and may be arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). DWI is a severe offense and one that often causes a domino effect that can cause damage for many years to come. These consequences include a suspension of your driver’s license, hefty fines, and potential jail time if you’re found guilty. In addition, a conviction for driving while intoxicated – especially if the crash leads to injury or death – can land you significant time behind bars.

If you have been charged with DWI, it’s important that you work with an experienced defense attorney who can outline a strong legal defense for your case. Nii Amaa Ollennu has years of experience defending clients throughout McKinney, Texas, and the surrounding areas. He will help you navigate the legal process and identify strategies to fight your charges and fight to keep your driving privileges.

Not Hiring a DWI Attorney Could Cost You Your License

Whether you’re a repeat offender or this is your first DWI arrest, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who understands Texas DWI law. Facing DWI charges without an adequate defense attorney can be very risky and can lead to stiffer penalties. A skilled DWI defense attorney can often successfully negotiate with the prosecutor to reach better terms and facilitate a better outcome for your case. Your sentencing will often depend on any previous convictions, but the court can add penalties depending on what else occurred surrounding your DWI. 

First offense:

• A fine of up to $2,000
• Three to 180 days in jail
• Loss of driver’s license for up to one year

Second offense:

• A fine up to $4,000
• One month to a year in jail
• Loss of driver’s license for up to two years

Third offense:

• A fine of up to $10,000
• Two to 10 years in jail
• Loss of driver’s license for two years

Facing a DWI Charge in Texas

Motorists who refuse testing face the following license suspensions period:

• First refusal: 180-day driver’s license suspension
• Second refusal: Two-year driver’s license suspension
• Third refusal: Two-year driver’s license suspension

In Texas, if you receive two or more DWI convictions within five years, you may have to install a special ignition interlock switch, at your own expense, that prevents your vehicle from being operated while you’re under the influence.

Source: Texas Dept. of Transportation

Damage to Property, Injury, or Loss of Life

In cases when damage to property or injury of one or more people occur, you could be facing much steeper penalties. Texas takes DWI very seriously. If you damaged property while being intoxicated behind the wheel, you can expect more penalties attached to your original offense.

If you injure someone while driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be charged with intoxication assault, which is considered a third-degree felony in Texas. For a DWI charge to warrant an intoxication assault, the injuries must meet certain requirements. The person injured must face long-term or permanent disability. In many cases, intoxication assault charges are used when life-threatening injuries occurred.

If someone died in your DWI accident, you could be facing a charge of intoxication manslaughter. In cases when the individual who was killed was a law enforcement officer or a first responder, you can face a first-degree felony charge that carries the potential of a 99-year prison sentence.

Minimizing the Consequences of a DWI Charge in McKinney, Texas

Not all DWI cases are clear cut. In many cases, the evidence is obtained under false circumstances. 

It is important to have an attorney who will investigate the following:

• The legality of the traffic stop
• Admissibility of breath and blood test results
• Violation of rights
• Poorly maintained breath tests
• The circumstances behind field sobriety tests
• Any other extenuating circumstances that could be used as evidence against you

In cases when the above events are found to be true, your attorney can argue for grounds for dismissal or a lesser ruling.

Get Advice from a DWI Attorney in McKinney, Texas

Attorney Ollennu has been helping his clients find better solutions to their criminal charges for years. He has made it his mission to ensure that his clients understand the penalties they face and the options they have moving forward. He provides skilled legal advice to clients in McKinney, Anna, Melissa, Prosper, Frisco, Plano, Wylie, and the surrounding communities. 

Call NO Law Firm, today at (469) 575-6656 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.